Fluid-pressure-operated bottle-capping machine.



R. V. ORAGGS. FLUID PRESSURE OPERATED BOTTLE GAPPING MACHINE.

AP PLIOATION FILED JUNEV, 1910.

Patented Feb. 21, 1911.

2 8HEETS8HEET 1.

' [NVENTOR Rosa K raqqs Azzomey R. V. GRAGGS. FLUID PRESSURE OPERATED BOTTLE OAPPIN G MACHINE.

APPLICATION rum) JUNE 7, 1910.

@ 10, Patented Feb. 21, 1911.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

Af/omey ROSS v. CRAGGS', or BALTIMORE, MARYLAND;

FIlllTlllIl-PRESSURE-OPERATED BOTTLE-CAPPING MACHINE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Feb. 21, 1911.

Application filed June 7, 1910. Serial No. 565,556.

To all. whom it may concern.- I 7 Be itknown that I, Ross V. (buses. a citizen of the United States aresiding at Baltimore, in the State of Maryland, have in vented certain new and useful Improvements in Fluid Pressure Operated Bottle- Capping Machines, of which the following is a. specification.

This invention relates to a fluid pressure operated bottle cappingmachine and the objcct thereof is to provide a machine of such class in a manner as hereinafter setforth and claimed whereby the cappingof bottles with what is termed a metallic cap and seal will be efliciently had with the liability of breakage of the bottle neck reduced to a minimum.

A further object ofthe invention is to provide a machine of the class referred to in a manner as hereinafter set forth and claimed which is adapted for use in connection with bottles of varying heights without the employment of verticallyadjustable supports for the bottles to properlyposition them with respect to the capping elements of the machine.

A further object of the invention is to provide a fluid pressure operated bottle cap ping machine in a. manner as hereinafter set forth with means whereby the capping elements of the machine will be automatically returned to inoperative position after the cap has been crimped upon the bottle neck.

A further objectof the invention is to provide a machine of such class with means in a manner as hereinafter setforth whereby the supply of motive fluid to impart to the capping elements a forward stroke will be controlled in such manner to overcome.

any liability of breakageof the bottle necks due to a sudden or-quick stroke when the elements are moved to capping position.

A further ob ect of the mventlon is to provide a machine of such class with means in a manner as hereinafter set forth whereby the capping elements during their movementtoward and from operative position will be cushioned to overcome any liability of breakage of the bottle neck due to a quick stroke when the elements are moved to capping position and to overcome any liability of injury to the capping elements due to a sudden or quick return stroke.

A further object of the invention is to provide a fluid pressure operated bottle capping machine with means in a manner as hereinafter set forth operated by a rise of pressure within the machine to change the direction of the course of the motive fluid whereby the capping elements will be moved to inoperative position.

Further objects of the invention are to provide a fluid pressure operated bottle capping machine which shall be comparatively simple in its construction and arrangement, strong, durable teflicient in its use. readily set up, reducing the liability of breakage of bottle necks to a minimum. and coniparatively inexpensive to manufacture and op-- crate.

With the foregoing and other objects in View, the invention consists of the novel construction. combination and arrangementof parts as hereinafter more specifically described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. wherein is shown the preferre. embodiment of the invention, but it is to be understood that changes, variations and modifications can be resorted to which come within the scope of the claims hereunto appended.

a In the drawings wherein like reference characters denote corresponding parts throughout the several views: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a bottle capping machine in accordance with this invention. Fio'. 2 is a vertical sectional view with the portfor the cylinder removed. Fig.3 is a rear elevation of the cylinder with the support removed, and, Fig. 4 is a top plan of the cylinder.

Referring to the drawings in detail, 1 denotes a' base which is suitably fixed in posi tion and is provided with a pedestal 2 having its top formed with a platform 3 of awidth and length greater than the diameter of the pedestal 2 at the top. The'platform' 3 is provided with a V-shaped positioning member 4 for the bottle That portion of the platform 3 upon which rests the bottle has suitably connected thereto a cushion. Arranged over and suspended above the platform 3 is a cylinder 6 having a pair of split laterally-extending apertured ears 7. 8. Each of the ears 7 8, provided with a pair of apertured flanges 7 in which extends aclamping screw 8 for adjustably connecting the cylinder in position. The lateral ears 7. 8 are adjustalily-connected by the flanges 7 and clamping screws 8 to the vertically -disposed suspension rod-s9, 10 which are fixedly secured to the platform 8 and are provided on" their lower ends with clamping nuts 11". By adjnstahly connect ing theears 7 and 8 to the rods9 and 10, the

The head 11 has formed integral therewith a vertically-disposed enlargement 13 bored 'toprovide vertically-disposed compartments 14', 15.. The head 11. is bored to; provide a port 16 for establishing communlcation between the compartment 14 and the interior '17 1, of the cylinder. The headllis recessed as at 18 to form acushioning. chamber, The head 11 as well as the-headlils is provided with a rearwardly-exten'ding.oft-set. the ottsetzof the head 11 being indicated by the reference character 18 and the olf-set of the head 12 by the reference character 19-. The

42 or 43 and the outlet 44. The slide valve '41 isshifted to the position shown iIrFig.

oft-sets 18 and 19 oppose each other and interposed between said oft-sets 1s a verticallydisposed channel plate 20 forming; inconnection' with the cit-sets 18', and the cylinder 6 a. slide valvechamber 21. The

vided with ascrew-threaded opening for i the reception of the screw-threaded inner;

a pocket 30 which "cominunicatesby' the port off-set 18" is bored't-oprovide a passage '22 for establishing ,comnnmication between the chambers 15and 21.: The ofi' set-1'9 is pro portion 24 of a guide sleeve 25 which abuts against the off-set 19 and has its-opening 26' communicating with the, chamber 21-. Elie plate 20 is formed approximately 'centrtilly with a. rearward extension 27 whichadis hoh lowed to, provide'an inlet valve chamber closed at one end by a/oap 29 formed with 31 with the chamber 28. -Opening into the chamber 28' is a motive. supply pipe-32 provided with a: cut-off 33 which constitutes a.* means. for regulating the motive fluid. supply to the cylinder 6. The chamber 28 oommunicates with the chamber 21 through. the

medium of a passage 34 whichopens' one" end into-the chamber 28 and at its other end inthechamber 21. v s

Arranged within the chamber 28 is an inlet valve 35 adapted to engage a seat. 36

formedby one wall of the chamber 28 and close the passage Projectingfrom the valve 35 is a stem 37 which extends in the pocket 30. thewal'l of the pocket constituting a uide forthestem. Surrounding the 1 stem 3 and interposed; between the cap 29' andthe valve 3'5 is aspring 38 which has through the passage 34 and into the chamher 21 is an'arm 39;. the function of whicl will be hereinafter referred to valve 41.

That portion oii'the cylinder 6 which opposes the plate 20 has its outer facc'flattcned asnt 40 to provide a valve seat for a slide The wall of the cylinder 6 is formed with the ports 42-.v 43. the former establishing comnnmica-tion between the chamber Ql'aiid the upper portion of the a cylinder 6 and the latter establishing communication between the chamber 21' and the, lower portion of the cylinder (3; The cylinder (3 is cut-away to provide an outlet 44' ,which. when the valve 41 is in the position shown in Fig. 2 will establish communication between the lower portion of the interior 17 of the cylinder and the atmosphere and when the valve 41 is shifted in the opposite direction. the valve will establish communication between the upper portion of the interior ]7 otth-c cyl'imler and the atmosphere. ".lhe seating fair-oi" lhe' valve 41 is cul -away to prmide a concavity -l--l which is of the necessary length so as to establish connnnniration between either ol the ports '2 manually andwhi-ch will nncoverthe port 42* and establish communication between the interior 17' ofthe cylinder 6 and the chamber 21.. The*sli-de,valve*4-l is'shifted to theopposite position, which is to uncover the port 43 to establish communication betuqeein the interior 1? ofthdcylindero and the chamy her 21. by a rise of pressure within the interior l7--of the cylinder 6' and which will be hereinafter more specifically referred t o..

The manual operation of the slide valve 41 15 had through the medium of a pivoted hook-shaped arm 45. the latter being pivoted as at 46'to the upper end of a pull bar 47. i

The arm is provided'a-t its lower end with a nose 48 which is adapted to rock the arm'- =4o on its pivot soas to throw the hooked tached' to" a spring-controlled tread lever 52 arranged near'the bottom of the pedestal 2 i and which when pressure-is relieved therefrom-will be elevated due 'toa spring; 52?

a connected as at 50 to: a link 51 which is atwhich is arranged within the pedestal 2.

lVhenthe free'end'ot the lever 52 moves upa ward'ly, the pull bar 47 is carried therewith and therefore elevates the arm 45. The arm 45 is arranged within the chamberll and to one side of the valve 41 which is also ar ranged in the chamber 21 and thepull bar 47 extends through the opening 26' offthe sleeve- 25. henthe pull bar 47 ismoved upwardly due to the action ofthe return spring within the pedestal 2, the arm 45- is carried therewith. and during the upward, movement of saidarm 45 it engages a beveled deflector 53 carried by the inner face of the plate .20 and which causes the hooked end 4;!) ot'the arm 4-5 to engage over the upper end of the slide valve ll so that when the rod 47 is pulled downwardly, the slide valve 41 will be carried therewith.. w

The chamber 28 is normally closed to the chamber 21 and motive fluid is not supplied to the chamber 21 until the valve is shifted from its seat. The shifting of the valve 35 from its seat and against the action of the spring 38 is had by the rocking of the'arm 45 on its pivot due to the engagement of the nose 48 with the oft-set 1S). lVhen the arm 45 rocks on its pivot it swings toward the arm 39 and shifts said arm in-' wardly thereby unseating the valve 35 and allowing a gradual supply of motive fluid from the inlet chamber 28 to the chamber 21 and as the port 42 is opened, the motive fluid will be supplied to the upper end of the interior. 17 of the cylinder-(l and cause a downward movement of the capping elements to be presently referred to. By the foregoing arrangement, the motive fluid is prevented from being quickly supplied to the interior 17 of the cylinder 6 and which overcomes any sudden quick down-stroke of the capping elements, consequently reducing breakage of the bottle necks to a minimum.

The head 12 is recessed on its inner face to provide a cushioning chamber 54 and it is also provided with a depending sleeve 55 carrying a packing gland 56, the sleeve 55 being exteriorly threaded and the gland notonly extending in the sleeve 55 butprovided with an interiorly-threadcd flange 57 which engages with the threads of the sleeve 55 whereby the gland and sleeve are connected together. Arranged within the sleeve and engaged by the gland is a packing 58.

Arranged within the interior 17 of the cylinder 6, said interior l7 constituting a piston chamber and which will be referred to hereinafter by such term. is av pair of capping elements consisting of reciprocatory plstons, each including a head and a stem.

One of said capping elements is arranged within the other. The outer piston consists of a cup-shaped head 59 shouldered as at 60 and having connected therewith .and depending therefrom a hollow stem 61 which extends through and projects from the sleeve 55 and gland 56. The stem 61 upon its outer end is provided with a throat 62 of known construction and which is secured in position by a carrier 63 having a beveled inner face 64 to facilitate the entrance of the bottle neck into the throat. In Fig. 2 of the drawings the bottle 5 with its neck 5 is shown positioned within the throat with a cap 60 thereon The inner piston comprises a head (37 having. an extension 68 Which is adapted to engage in the recess 18 for cush-' ioning the return stroke of the piston elements.- Projecting from the head 67 and. extending through the hollow stem (31 is a solid stein on which constitutes what may be termed a holding down means. the function of which is to engage the cap and hold it in position on the bottle during the crimping of the cap by the throat 62. This prevents any possibility of the cap bulgin during the crimping operation. The head 09 of the outer piston is formedwith an extension 70 which moves into the chamber Set on the downward movement of the piston elements for cushioning them on the down stroke. To theextension 70 is connected the hollow stem 61.

To provide for the changing of the course of the motive fluid supplied to the cylinder 6 so as to return the capping elements to their normal position. a fluid pres- Sure operated trip mechanism is employed, which when the pressure rises above a. prc deterlnined point within the upper end of the piston chamber 17. is released and the slide valve -11 is shifted by fluid pressure to a position opposite to that shown in Fig. 2 whereby the fluid pressure within the chamber 21 is supplied through the medium of the port 43 against the lower face of the piston head 59 whereby the piston elements are moved in unison to their normal positions. The shoulder 60 engaging with the head 67 causes the inner piston to move to operative position in unison with the outer piston.

The fluid pressure operated trip mechanism consists of a screw-threaded plug 71 provided with an opening 72 through which extends a piston rod 73. The plug 71 is connected to the enlargement 13 and mounted in the upper end of the chamber 1-1-. The valve stem 73 is attached at its lower end to a cup-shaped valve 7 4: which is seated against the beveled lower wall 75 of the chamber 13, the said wall 7 5 forming a seat for the valve 74. The valve 74 closes the port 16 whereby communication is shut oit between the chamber 14 and the piston chamber 17. Surrounding the stem 73 and interposed be tween the plug 71 and the valve 74 is a compression spring 76 which can have the tension thereof increased or decreased when occasion so requires by adjusting the plug 71. The force of the spring 76 is such that it maintains the valve 7 1 against its seat until the pressure in the upper portion of the pis ton chamber 17 rises above a pre-determined point whereby the valve 74 is shifted from its seat. The valve 74 when shifted carries the valve stem 7 3 therewith outwardly against the action of thespring 76. When the pressure is reduced within the piston chamber 17, the action of the spring 76 re turns the valve 74 to its normal position, which is in engagement with the seat 75. Arranged Within the chamber 15 is a piston 77 cutaway at one side as at 7 8 to provide Connected to the enlargement 13 atthe top thereof is a clamp,-80 provided with an arm 81 in which is pivoted as at 82 a bell crank lever, one arm of said lever being indicated by the reference character 83 and the other arm by the reference character 84. The arm 83 projects in the p'atho'f thevalve stem 73,

" while the arm 84 carries on its lower end a roller 85 which 1s normally arranged in thepath of the piston 7 7. The arm 84 extends into the chamber 15" and is maintained against one wall thereof and in the path of the upper portion of the piston 77 by a spring :86 which is interposed between the clamp 80 in the said arm 84. Vhen the motive fluid is supplied to thechamber 21 it also passesupthrough the port 22j1n'd-bears against the piston 77, but the l'lpi'ston 77 is prevented from being shifted'bythe motive fluid dueto the fact that the arm 84 arrests. the movement'of the piston. Now, it will be assumed that the valve 74 is shifted from its seat which causes-the valve stem 73 to move outwardly. lVhen the valve stem 73' is moved outwardly itengages with the arm S3 and shifts the ball crank lever on its pivot, thereby moving the: arm 84 toward. the opposite wall-of the chamber 15 and which enables the fluid pressure to shift the piston 77 upwardly, the cutaway portion 7 78' of the piston 77 allowing for the piston to clear the arm 84. NVhen the piston 77 is movedupwardly, the pistonrod 79 carries the slide valve 41 therewith anduncovers theport43' to the chamber 21 and opens the port 42 to the atmosphere. .This' action reduces the pressure in the upper portion of the piston chamber "17 and admitsa supply of motive fluid to the lower portion'of the chamber 17, whereby the piston elements are moved back to normal position. By the time the piston elements are moved back to per end of the slide valve 41." In the meanwhile the spring 38 has come into action and seatedthe valve 35, thereby cutting off the normal position, the operator releases pressureaipon the foot lever'52and the arm 45 is moved upwardly and the hooked end 49 of said arm deflected over and, upon the-upmotive fluid supply to the chamber 21.

Briefly describedthe operation of capping a bottle is as follows: The throat 63 when in' an inoperative position is arranged above the neck of the bottle, the latter being mounted upon thebase'or support 3. A cap is positioned in the throat inaalinement with the bottleneck. The operator shifts the foot lever 52 downwardly, which causes the valve '41 to assume the position shown in Fig. 2

The piston elements are moved downwardly by the pressure of the fluid, the element69 engaging with the cap and holding it'upon the bottle neck.

element 61 continues to move carrying'the throat therewith,. causing the cap to T be crimped around the neck of the bottle. When-the pressure increases in the upper portion of the piston chamber 17, the valve 74 is shifted from its seat, the stem 73 of the valve shifting the bell crank to release the piston 77, the latter carrying the valve 41 therewith, whereby the port 42 will be opened to the atmosphere and the port 43 to the chamber 21 so that the motive fluid canbe supplied to the lower-end of the, piston chamber -l7,'whereby the piston ele ments are'moved to the upper end of the chamber and the bottle is then removed.

I11 the meanwhile the operator has released 7 The movement of the ele ment 69iis arrested by the bottle neck. The

the lever 52, the spring 52" restoring the lever to its normal position and movingthe rod-47 npwardly'so that the hooked end '49 'qf the arm 45 will engage the beveled surface 53, and be deflected toengage thetop offthe valve 41 to enable the downwar shifting of the valve'41 when theoperator shifts the lever '52. iVhen'the pressure is reduced in the upper portion of the chamber.

17, the valve 74 is caused by the" action ofthe spring 76 to resume its seat and it moves the valve stem 73 inwardly to enable the spring 86 to shift the arm, 84- of the bell crank'T 'in the path of the locking the latter;

\Vhat Iclaim is: i

1. A fluid pressure'operated bottle capping machine comprisingapiston chamber, a pair of fluid pressure operated reciprocw' tory pistons extending within said chamber and'adapted when operatedtohold a cap down on andcrimp: it upon abottle neck, a valve chamber having an outlet, means for piston 77, thereby alternately establishing communication bei tween the ends of thepiston chamber and the valve chamber and betweenthe ends of the PlStOll chamber and outlet, and means for establishing communication between a motive fluid supply and the valve chamber subsequent to the opening of one end of the piston chamber to the valve chamber. p

2. A fluid pressure operated bottle capping machine comprising a piston-chamber, a

a pair of fluid pressure operated'recipror catory piston's'extendingwithin said chamber and adapted when operated to hold a cap down on and crimp'it upon a bottleneck, a valve chamber having an outlet,vmeans for alternately establishing communication he I tween the" ends of the piston chamber. and

the valve chamber and between the ends of piston chamber and outlet, and means for gradually establishing communication be t tween a motive fluid supply and the valve chamber subsequent to the opening of one 1 end of the piston chamber to the valve chami ber.

3. fluid pressure operated bottle cap- I ping machine conun'ising a cylindt-ur having 3 a pair of ports, a pair of fluid pressure operated reciprocatory elements extending within said-cylinder and adapted when operated to hold the cap down on and crimp it upon a bottle neck, a 'alve chamber communicating with the cylinder through said ports and having an 'outlet, a shittable valvular element within said chamber for alternately opening said ports to the chamber and for alternately connecting-said ports with the outlet, and means for establishing communication between said chamber and a motive fluid supply subsequent to the opening of one of said ports by said valve to said chamber.

4. A. fluid pressure operated bottle capping machine comprising a cylinder having a pair of ports, a pair oi fluid pressure operated recipromitory elements extending within said cylinder and adapted when 0perated to hold the cap down on and crimp it upon a bottle neck, a mlve chamber communicating with the cylinder through said ports and having an outlet, a shiftable valvular element within said chamber for alternately opening said ports to the chamber and for alternately connecting said ports with the outlet. and means for gradually establishing communication between said chamber and a motive fluid supply subsequent to the opening of one of said ports by said valve to said chamber.

5. A fluid pressure operated bottle capping machine comprising a cylinder having a pair of ports, a pair of fluid pressure operated reciprocatory elen'ients extending within said cylinder and adapted when operated to hold the cap down on and crimp it upon a bottle neck. awalvc chaniber communicating with the cylinder through said ports and having an outlet,a shiftable valvular element within said chamber for alternately opening said ports to the chamber and for alternately connecting said ports with the outlet, and an inlet valve mechanism communicating with a motivefluid supply and normally closing said 'valve chamber to said supply and actuated subsequently to the opening of one of said ports to the valve chamber, whereby communication is established between the valve chamber and the motive fluid supply after the said port has been opened.

(S. fluid pressure operated bottle capping machine comprising a cylinder having a pair of ports, a pair of fluid pressure 01)- erated rtwiprocatory elements extending within said cylinder and adapted when operated to hold the. cap down on and crimp it upon abottleneck. avalve chamber communicating with the. cylinder through said ports and having an outlet, a shiftablc 5 valvular element within said chamber for altta-nately opening said ports to the cham her and for alternately connecting said ports with the outlet, an inlet. valve mechanism connuunicating with a motive fluid supply and normally closing said valve chamber to said supply and actuated subsequently to the opening of one of said ports to the Valve chaml'ier, whereby communication is established between the valve chamber and the motive fluid supply after the said port has been opened, and means for actuating said inlet valve mechanism.

7. A fluid pressure operated bottle capping machine comprising a cylinder having a pair of ports, a pair of fluid pressure 0perated reciprocatory elements extending within said cylinder and adapted when operated to hold the cap down on and crimp it upon a bottle neck, a valve chamber c0mmunicating with the cylinder through said ports and having an 0ut.let,ashiftable valvular element within said chamber for alternately opening said ports to the chamber and for alternately connecting said ports with the outlet. an inlet valve. mechanism adapted when actuated in one direction to establish communication between said valve chamber and a motive fluid supply, means for shifting said valvular element in one direction to open. one of said ports to said chamber and for further actuating the valve mechanism after said port has been opened whereby the pistons will be operated in one direction, and means for shifting the valvular elen'ient in the opposite direction to open the other of said ports to said chamber whereby the pistonswill be shifted in the opposite direction.

8. A fluid pressure ope ated bottle capping machine comprising a cylinder having a pair of ports. a pair of fluid pressure operated reciprocatory elements extending within said cylinder and adapted when operated to hold the cap down on and crimp it upon a bottle neck. a valve chamber comnumicating with the cylinder through said ports and having an outlet. a shittable valvular element withinsaid chamber for alternately opening said ports to the chamber and for alternately connecting said ports with the outlet, an inlet valve mechanism adapted when actuated in one direction to establish communication between said valve chamber and a motive fluid supply, means for shifting said valvular element in one direction to open one of said ports to said chamber and for further aetuatii'ig the valve mechanism after said port has been opened whereby the pistons will be operated in direction. a fluid pressure operated means for shifting the valvular element in the opposite direc- 40 an outlet, aninlet valve chainber normally in the opposite direction. p 9. A fluid pressureoperated bottle cap tio n to opcn the other of said ports to said chamber whereby the pistons will be shifted ping machine comprising a cylinder having va pair of ports, a pair of fluld' pressure operated reciprocatory pistons extending in said: cylinder and adapted when operated to u hold a cap down on and crimp it upon a v 10 bottleneck, a slide valve chamber: having an outlet, an inlet valve chainber normally closed to said shdevalve chamber and norniallv communicating with a fluid pressure -supply,tan inlet valve withinthe inlet chamber-for normallyclosing the latter to the slide valve chamber, a slide valve within the slide-valve chamber for alternately opening ports tothe slide valve chamber and t for alternately connecting said ports with theoutlet, means for shiftlng the slide valve 7 in one'direction to open one of said ports to saldchamber and to unseat the inlet valve after said port has been opened whereby communication is established between the slide valve chamber and a motive fluid supply for supplying motiVe'fluidto oneend of the cylinder for operating the pistons in one direction, and means for shifting the slide valve in the other direction, thereby opening the other of said ports to the chamclosed to said slide valve chamber and normally communicating with a fluid pressure supply, an inlet valve within the'inlet chamber :tor normally closing thelatter to the slide valve chamber, a slide valve within the slide, valve chamber for alternately opening isa'idports to the slide valve chamber and -forfalternately connecting said ports with the outlet, means for shifting the slide valve 'in' 'o'ne direction to open one of said ports to said chamber and to unseat the inlet valve after said port has been opened whereby communication is establishedbetween the slide valve chamber and the motive fluid supply for supplying motive fluid to one end of the cylinder for operating the pistons in one direction, andfluid pressure operated means for shifting the slide valve in the other direction, thereby opening the other of said ports to the chamber whereby motive fluid is supplied to the cylinder for shifting thepistons in the opposite direction. 11. A fluid pressure operated bottle capping machine comprlsing a cylinder, a pair of fluid pressure operated rooiprocatory elements operating within the cylinder and adapted'to hold a cap upon and crimp it around a bottle neck, a valve chamber adapted to communicate with a motive fluid supply and' alternately communicate with the ends of said cylinder for supplying a motive fluid thereto, means whereby motive fluid is sup liedto said chamber subsequent to the esta lishing' of communication between one end' of the cylinder and said chamber to prevent a quick stroke of said elements in one direction, and means actuated on the rise of pressure within the said end; oftheicylinder for automatically changing the course of the fluid supplied from the chamber to the cylinder for directing the fluid against said elements to operate them in the opposite direction. 4

12. Ina fluid pressure operated bottle capping machine, acylinder, apair of fluid pressure operated elements extending -within the cylinder and adapted when operated to hold and crimp a cap upon a bottle neck,

a manual and fluid pressure actuated mechanism for alternately opening the ends of said cylinder for charge and exhaust of motive fluid whereby saidelements are re ciprocated, and means 0 erated by said mechanism, when the latter is actuated manually for opening a motive fluid supply to the cylinder. a

' 13. A fluid pressure operated bottle capping machine comprising a cylinder having a pair of ports, a pair of fluid pressure operated elements extending within the cylinder and adapted when operated to hold a cap on and crimp it upon a bottle neck, a valve chamber having an outlet, a slide valve 'within said chamber'for alternately opening said ports to said chamber to change the direction of flow of the motive fluid to the cylinder and for alternately establishing communication between the portsand the outlet forex-haust of motive fluid whereby said elements are reciprocated, means for shifting saidvalve in one direction to open enact the ports for charge and the other for exhaust, mechanism operated when the slide valve movesin one direction for opening a motive fluid supply, and means actuated on the rise of pressure in the cylinder for shifting the valve in the opposite direction thereby reversing the action of the ports.

14. A fluid pressure operated bottle capping machine comprising a cylinder, a. pair of fluid pressure operated elements extending withint-he cylinder and adapted when operated to hold the cap 011 and crimp it upon a i bottle neck, means whereby one end of the cylinder is opened prior to the opening of a motive fluid supply for the reception of a charge of motive fluid to impart the operative stroke to said elements, means for open- 15. A fluid pressure operated bottle capping machine comprising a: cylinder, a pair of fluid pressure operated elements extending within the cylinder and adapted when operated to hold the cap on and crimp it upon a bottle neck, means whereby one end oi" thecylinder is opened prior to. the opening of a motive fluid supply for the reception of a charge of motive fluid to impart the operative stroke to said elements, means for opening a motive fluid supply subsequent to'the opening of said end of the cylinder to supply motive fluid to said end of the cylinder, and a fluid pressure operated means for changing the direction of flow of motive fluid to impart a return stroke to said elements.

16. A fluid pressure operated bottle cap ping machine comprising a cylinder, a pair of fluid pressure operated elements extending within the cylinder and adapted when operated to hold the cap on and crimp it upon a bottle neck, means whereby one end of the cylinder is opened prior to the opening of a motive fluid supply for the reception of a charge of motive fluid to impart the operative stroke to said elements, means for gradually opening the motive fluid sup ply subsequent to the opening of the said end of the cylinder whereby a sudden operative stroke of the elements will be prevented, and means for changing the direction of flow of the motive fluid whereby a return stroke will be imparted to said elements.

17. A fluid pressure operated bottle capping machine comprising a cylinder, a pair of fluid pressure operated elements extending within the cylinder and adapted when operated to hold the cap on and crimp it upon a bottle neck, means whereby one end of the cylinder is opened prior to the opening of a motive fluid supply for the reception of a charge of motive fluid to impart the operative stroke to said elements, means for gradually opening the motive fluid supply subsequent to the opening of the said end of the cylinder whereby a sudden operative stroke of the elements will be prevented and a fluid pressure operated means for changing the direction of flow of the motive fluid whereby a return stroke Will be imparted to said elements.

18. A fluid pressure operated bottle capping machine comprising a cylinder adapt-- ed to communicate with a. motive fluid supply. a pair of fluid pressure operated capping elements extending within the cylinder. means whereby one end of the cylinder is opened prior to the opening of the motive fluid supply for the. reception of a charge of motive fluid to lmpart the operative stroke to said elements, means for opening the motive fluid supply subsequently to the openingof said end of the cylinder to prevent a sudden operative stroke of said elements, and a fluid pressure ope 'ated means for changing the direction of motive fluid suppliedto said cylinder thereby imparting a return stroke.

19. A fluid pressure operated bottle capping mach-inecomprising a cylinder, apair of fluid pressure opera-ted reciprocatory elements for holding a cap upon and crimping it around a bottle neck, said elements operating within and projecting out of said cylinder, means whereby motive fluid is supplied to said cylinder for operating said elements in one direction; and means actuated on the. rise of pressure within the cylinder for automatically changing the course of the. fluid supplied to the cylinder for directing the. fluid against onoof said elements for operating them in the opposite direction.

20. In a fluid pressure operated bottle capping machine, a pair of fluid pressure operated elements for holding and crimping a cap upon a bottle neck, means for supplying fluid pressure agalnst said elements for shifting them to operative position, and a fluid pressure operated means for changing the direction of flow of the. motive fluid for returning the elements to inoperative position.

21. In a fluid pressure operated bottle capping machine, a pair of fluid pressure operated elements for holding and crimping a cap upon a bottle neck, means for supplying fluid pressure against said elements forshittingthem to operative position. means for changing the direction of flow ot' the motive fluid for returning the elements to inoperative position. means for providing a fluid cushion for the elements when moving in one direction, andameans for providing a fluid cushion when the elements are moving in the opposite direction.

22. In a' fluid pressure operated bottle capping machine. a pair of fluid pressure operated elements for holding and crimping a cap upon a bottle neck, means for supplying fluid pressure against said elements for shifting them to operative position. a fluid pressure operated means for changing the direction of flow of the motive fluid for returning the elements to inoperative po sition, means for providing a fluid cushion for the elements when moving in one direction, and means for providing a fluid cushion when the elements are moving in the opposite directiom .23. In a fluid pressure operated bottle capping machine, a pair of fluid pressure operated elements for holding and crimping a cap upon a bottle neck, means for supply ing fluid pressure against said elements for shiftingthem to operative position, and a fluid pressure operated trip mechanism for changing the direction of flow of the motive fluid for returning the elements to inoperative position.

' ative position, and means for regulating the supply of motive fluid.

25.;In a fluid pressure operated bottle ca ping machine, a pair of fluid pressure operated elements for holding and crimping a cap upon a bottle neck, means for sup- ')lyii 1g fluid pressure againstsaid elements for shiftingthem to operative position, a fluid pressure operated trip mechanism for changing the direction of flow of themotive fluid for returning the elements to inoperative position, means for regulating the supply of motive fluid, means for providing a fluid cushion for the elements when moving in one direction; and means for providing a fluid cushion when the elements are mov-' iug in the opposite direction;

26L In a fluid vpressure operated bottle capping machine, a pair of fluid pressure operated reciprocatory elements for holding and crimping a cap upona bottle neck, one of said elements arranged within the other,

means for supplying pressure against said elements for sh fting them ,to operative pos1 t1on,.and a fluid pressure operated trip mechanism for changing the direction of flow of the motive fluid for returning the elements to inoperatlve positlon.

' In' a fluid pressure operated bottle capping machine, apair of fluid pressure operated reciprocatoryele'mentsfor holding and crimping a cap upon a bottle neck, one of said'elementsarranged within the other, means for supplying pressure. against said elements for shifting them to operative position, a fluidpressure operated trlp mecha-' Ill-Sill for'changmg the directionj'o'f the motive fluid for returning the elements to inoperative position, means for providing a fluid'cushion for the elements when moving in one direction, and means for providing a fluid cushion for the elements when moving in the o posite direction.

28. In a flui pressure Y operated bottle capping machine, a pair of fluid ressure operated reciprocatory'elements for olding and, crimping a cap upon a bottle neclgone of said elements arranged within the other, nieans'for supplying pressure against said elements for shifting them to operative position, a fluid pressure operated trip mechanism for changing the direction of flow of the motive fluid for returning the elements to inoperative position, means for providing a fluid cushion for the elements when moving inone direction, means for providing a fluid cushion for the elements when moving in the opposite direction, and means for regulating the application of pressure to said elements.

29. A fluid pressure operated bottle capping machine comprising a cylinder having a pair of ports, a pairvof fluid pressure operated reciprocatory capping elements extending within said-cylinder and adapted when operated in one direction to secure a cap upon a bottle neck, a valve chamber communicating With the cylinder through said ports, a slide valve within said chamber, an inlet valve mechanism ada ted when shifted in onedirection to establlslrcommunication between said chamber and a motive fluid supply, a vertically movable member for shifting said slide valve to open' one of said ports, means whereby said, member is rocked to shift the inletvalve mechanism to open said chamber to a motive flui d supply subsequent to the opening of saidport. and normally locked fluid pressure operated means for shifting the slide valve in the oppositedirectionto open the other of said ports, andmeans actuated by the rise of pressure withm the cylinder for releasing said fluid pressure operated means.

In testimony whereof I aflix my signature in presence of two witnesses. I

ROSS V. CRAGGS;

l-Vitness es RoBER'r M. Lovnmi, Cam D. HALL, Jr. 

